Disclaimers: I don't own any of the characters or settings from Lord of the Rings or Xena the Warrior Princess

Author's Note:

This is a LegoRomance (slow-burn)

ActVI

The Shadows

Chapter 67: Emerging from the Depth

Hidden Forge of Eregion, September 25th 3018 T.A

The sword felt heavier than expected as Legolas secured it to his belt, the weight of both its history and the circumstances pressing down on him. They had come seeking an adventure, perhaps a distraction from the deeper troubles gnawing at him—a respite from the shadows of his past. To his surprise, not only had they found the sword, but they were now trapped deep in the ancient heart of Eregion's hidden forge. The crumbling ruins beneath their feet threatened to collapse at any moment, making escape a matter of urgency.

The air was thick with tension as Legolas, Elladan, and Elrohir quickly fell into conversation in Sindarin, their voices hurried and low as they debated their next move.

"This chamber is unstable," Elladan muttered, his eyes scanning the walls for any sign of weakness. "We don't have much time."

Elrohir nodded grimly. "The structure could collapse any second. If there's an exit, it's not up—it has to be below. But where?"

Legolas' eyes narrowed, his mind racing. "There must be another way out. Celebrimbor's forges were vast; they wouldn't have been designed without escape routes for their smiths." His gaze swept the chamber again, searching for anything out of place, any sign of a hidden passage. But time was running short, and the ground continued to tremble beneath them.

As the three elves spoke in hurried tones, Xena stood to the side, arms crossed, her eyes narrowing at the trio. It wasn't the language barrier that annoyed her; she had become accustomed to the flow of Sindarin over the months spent traveling with elves. But the way their conversation excluded her, their quick, urgent exchanges in a tongue she didn't fully understand, gave her a sense that they were trying to shield her from the true danger they were in. They always tried to protect her in this way, but Xena was no stranger to peril. She could read the tension in their voices, the sharp glances they exchanged. Whatever they were discussing, it wasn't good.

She didn't bother to ask for clarification. Something else had caught her attention—something far more important. A sound. It was faint at first, but as the elves' conversation drifted into the background, the noise became more distinct—a steady, rhythmic rushing sound. Water.

Xena's eyes narrowed as she focused on the distant murmur. There was no river near this location, of that she was sure, so where was the sound coming from? It was underground. Running water beneath the stone. If water was flowing down there, then perhaps there was an opening, a way out. She felt a surge of adrenaline as the realization hit her, but instead of immediately telling the others, she stepped away from them, carefully testing the stone beneath her feet.

The elves continued to speak in Sindarin, unaware of her sudden change in focus. "We must decide quickly," Elrohir insisted, casting a glance at Legolas. "The ceiling won't hold much longer."

"We can't risk splitting up," Elladan added, his voice tense.

"Enough," Xena interrupted, her tone sharp. The three elves turned to her, momentarily silenced by the commanding edge in her voice. She said nothing more but lifted her boot and brought it down hard on the stone floor, sending a shudder through the ground beneath them. The stone cracked, groaning in protest.

Legolas' eyes widened in confusion, stepping forward as if to stop her. "Xena, what—"

But before he could finish, Xena slammed her boot down again, and the floor gave way with a sudden, violent crash. The stone crumbled beneath them, a cascade of dust and debris erupting into the air as the ground opened up. They were falling.

Legolas' reflexes kicked in, and he instinctively reached for a nearby ledge to steady himself, but Xena's voice cut through the chaos. "Let go!" she shouted, her eyes locking with his. "Trust me!"

For a split second, confusion flickered in his eyes, but something in her gaze told him to trust her. He let go, his hand slipping from the ledge as he allowed himself to fall into the dark chasm beneath them. Elladan and Elrohir, sensing the shift in the situation, followed suit, releasing their grip and letting gravity take them.

The descent was longer than expected, a free fall into what seemed like an endless abyss. Xena felt the rush of air, the weightless sensation of falling, but she knew they wouldn't hit rock bottom. Her instincts told her the water she had heard wasn't far below, and the current would likely lead them out of this forsaken place. The elves, accustomed to falling in battle or when leaping through trees, maintained a sense of calm despite the sheer drop.

With a sudden, jarring splash, they hit the water, cold and rushing, but not dangerously deep. The current dragged them forward through a subterranean river, the narrow tunnel walls racing past them in the dim light. The four companions surfaced, gasping for breath as the current carried them swiftly along.

Legolas shot a glance toward Xena, confusion and a hint of irritation evident on his face. "You might have warned us," he called over the roar of the water.

Xena smirked, brushing her wet hair back from her face. "Would you have listened?"

Elladan, spitting out a mouthful of water, shook his head. "No more surprises, Xena. Next time, a little warning would be appreciated."

Elrohir, however, managed a grin, his eyes gleaming with the thrill of the sudden plunge. "Admit it, brother—it worked."

The river continued to rush them forward, the stone walls of the tunnel eventually widening as they were spat out into a cavernous chamber, much larger than the one they had fallen from. The sound of crashing water filled the air as the subterranean river emptied into a vast underground lake.

Dripping and exhausted, they waded to the edge of the lake, the cold stone beneath their feet slick and uneven. The chamber was massive, lit only by the eerie glow of phosphorescent fungi clinging to the walls. But as their eyes adjusted to the dim light, they saw it— a way out.

As they moved through the passageway, the light filtering in grew stronger with every step, casting long shadows against the ancient stone walls. Xena took the lead, her instincts sharp as she scanned the way ahead, wary of any further traps. She felt the ache of recent bruises and cuts, a testament to the dangers they'd faced. Her clothes clung to her, still damp from the subterranean river, but she ignored the discomfort, her focus on the glimmer of daylight ahead.

Behind her, Legolas followed closely, casting quick glances at the walls around them. He could see faint etchings, the remnants of carvings that had once adorned these forgotten halls. He found himself begrudgingly impressed with Xena, whose instincts had led them this far and, ultimately, toward their escape. Still, he wasn't thrilled about being soaked to the bone or about the fact that she'd found the way out before he had.

He huffed under his breath, catching Xena's knowing smirk as she glanced over her shoulder at him. He straightened his shoulders, brushing a strand of damp hair from his face as he helped Elladan to his feet, who was still regaining his balance. Elrohir stood beside his brother, wincing slightly as he stretched his arms, his own wounds from the past days' trials reminding him of their intensity.

"This must be it," Xena murmured, pointing to where the light spilled in from a widening gap between two great stone pillars that flanked what appeared to be a crude exit. The opening was narrow, but they could see beyond it—a sliver of sky and a promise of fresh air.

"We're close now," Legolas agreed, scanning the ground ahead for any sign of traps. "If nothing else, the air is fresher."

The four made their way along the winding path, where the stream of water flowed gently now, its faint gurgle the only sound echoing off the cold walls. As they pressed on, the corridor gradually opened into a larger space, where the ceiling stretched high above them, revealing a patchwork of roots and vines that had forced their way through the stone. The walls were no longer suffocatingly close, and patches of green peeked through cracks, the first signs of life they had seen in days.

The twins, now fully on their feet, walked side by side, exchanging glances with each other and with Legolas and Xena, a shared relief evident in their expressions. Elladan's face bore a few scratches, and Elrohir's steps were slightly uneven, but both seemed grateful to be near the end of this perilous journey.

"It looks like we've found our way back to the surface," Elladan said, a note of gratitude in his voice.

"Not a moment too soon," Elrohir added, casting a quick glance around. "If I never see another dark chamber filled with traps and shadows, it will be too soon."

Xena let out a chuckle, sharing in their relief. "I think we could all use a break from the shadows. But first, let's get through this final stretch."

The corridor continued to wind, gradually leading upward, with the daylight becoming brighter and the air fresher with each step. They finally reached the narrow opening, where the sunlight spilled through, blinding them after days of darkness. Xena was the first to step through, the cool breeze washing over her as she inhaled deeply, savoring the taste of freedom.

One by one, the others followed, stepping into a small, secluded glade nestled between rocky slopes. The sun shone brightly above, bathing them in its warm light and casting a golden glow over the lush greenery that surrounded them.

For a moment, the four companions stood in silence, each savoring the simple pleasure of being under the open sky once more. Legolas surveyed their surroundings, his sharp gaze taking in the details of the mountainside and the familiar slopes that would eventually lead them back to Rivendell. He felt a strange mix of pride and humility, knowing that it was Xena who had led them here.

Xena glanced back at him, a knowing glint in her eyes. "I told you I'd find the way out."

Legolas sighed, a small smile breaking through his usually stoic expression. "I can't say I'm entirely pleased, but I am grateful," he admitted. "You have a knack for survival, Xena."

She shrugged, her smirk widening. "That's what makes life interesting, doesn't it?"

Elladan and Elrohir exchanged glances, both shaking their heads in mild amusement. They were battered and bruised, but their spirits were lifted as they basked in the sunlight, their ordeal finally behind them.

"Shall we continue?" Elrohir asked, turning to the path that wound through the mountains, hinting at the journey back to Rivendell.

Legolas nodded, adjusting the sword at his belt, the weight a comforting reminder of their success. "Yes. I think it's time we returned. But first, I believe a moment to rest here is well deserved."

The four companions settled onto the grassy ground, letting the warmth of the sun soothe their weary bodies as they took in the beauty of the world they had fought to return to. It was a quiet victory, one they would hold close in memory as they prepared for the next steps that lay ahead.

The twins had drifted to the rocky edge of their small sanctuary, their clothes drying under the sun as they sat together, exchanging hushed words. Erohir's excitement was palpable as he carefully spread the ancient scrolls they'd recovered, ensuring they were well within the sunlight. Elladan watched his brother with a gentle smile, clearly finding satisfaction in his enthusiasm. For once, the two had something more than the battles and darkness to share; the discovery of the scripts had given Erohir a rare sense of joy, and Elladan, ever the protector, was glad to see it.

A few paces away, Legolas and Xena had settled into the grassy clearing, the warmth of the sun slowly easing the chill from their bones. Legolas had chosen a flat stone to sit against, his back to the rock as he methodically laid out his weapons—the long knives, the bow, and the quiver all lined up neatly. He unbuckled the sword from his belt and set it beside him, pausing to run a finger along the hilt, tracing the designs of ancient elven craftsmanship with quiet reverence. He stripped off his damp tunic, draping it over the rock to dry as he pulled the leather tie from his hair, letting the sun work its warmth through the long, damp strands.

Xena, meanwhile, had stretched out on the grass, hands tucked behind her head as she gazed up at the open sky. The sun felt welcome on her skin, and she let herself relax fully for the first time in days. She was quietly content to observe Legolas as he went about his task, noting the way he moved with unhurried purpose. There was a certain elegance in the simple motions of his hands as he tended to his things. She found herself admiring him, a small, mischievous smile tugging at her lips.

Her gaze shifted to the twins, noting the rare happiness between them. "The twins seem at ease," she remarked, breaking the silence, her tone light. "Funny how something so ancient and forgotten could bring a spark of joy."

Legolas turned his attention to her, his blue eyes meeting hers with a sudden intensity. "They carry a heavy burden," he replied softly. "Their mother's death left a scar on their hearts. I know what it's like to carry that weight."

Xena blinked, taken aback by his openness. She hadn't expected him to speak so freely, to lower his guard and share a piece of himself so openly. She could see the rawness in his expression, the sincerity that lay beneath his usual stoic demeanor. It was as though, in that moment, he had chosen to let her see the man behind the prince, the wounds he kept hidden from most.

For a moment, the air between them felt charged, as if some invisible thread had connected them. Xena felt it keenly, an unspoken understanding that passed between them. There was no need for words; they simply held each other's gaze, caught in the shared silence. She felt as though she could see into him, and he into her, as though the barriers they both carried had momentarily fallen away.

But Legolas, sensing the intensity of the connection, broke his gaze, looking away as if to recompose himself. He had chosen this path long ago, a path that allowed no room for companionship or the ties of the heart. His mind and spirit bore the scars of too many battles, and he could not allow himself to entertain these thoughts, to indulge in what could never be.

He cleared his throat and turned back to his gear, his movements resuming with a forced casualness. Xena, sensing the shift, sat up and leaned back on her hands, the moment lingering between them even as it slipped away. She respected the distance he chose to keep, yet she couldn't shake the feeling that something had passed between them—a glimpse, however brief, of something deeper.

Legolas turned his back on her, pausing for a moment to compose himself. He took a steadying breath, eyes briefly closed, then opened them with renewed resolve. He grasped the ancient sword, its hilt cold and solid in his hand, and with an expression that held both warmth and unreadable depth, he approached her.

Xena, seated on the grass, wet hair loose and gleaming under the sun, watched him with curiosity as he drew closer. He moved purposefully, his pace steady and unhurried, until he stood before her. Kneeling, he brought the sword to rest between them, letting the silence hang heavy in the air. He looked at her, his gaze lingering as though committing her image to memory.

She tilted her head, the confusion plain on her face, but before she could speak, he lifted the sword and extended it to her. She reached out, gripping the hilt and feeling the weight of it. It was different from any sword she had wielded before. It felt alive, humming with energy, as if it had been waiting for her all along. The connection was immediate, as though the weapon had been forged with her in mind.

A faint smile touched Legolas' lips, and he nodded, pleased by her reaction. "It seems I chose well," he said, his voice soft but steady. "When your sword broke, I promised you another, one worthy of your skill. I do not make promises lightly, Xena." He held her gaze, the intensity of his words mirrored in his eyes. "But be cautious. Even with a blade such as this, recklessness will get you killed. And I would rather not lose you to such foolishness."

Xena met his gaze, understanding the deeper meaning behind his words. "I know, Legolas. And for you, I would do the same—run headfirst into trouble if it meant protecting you." She shifted, testing the weight of the sword, feeling the balance and the subtle strength within it. "But you should know by now that I don't put myself in danger without reason. I may be reckless, but I'm not careless."

A flicker of amusement crossed his face. "You have a point," he replied. "But still, I ask you to take care. You may have the skill, and now the weapon, but we both know that sometimes even the strongest warrior needs someone watching their back."

She looked down at the sword, feeling the weight of the words as much as the weapon in her hands. "And I will watch yours," she replied, her tone steady and resolute. "No matter what it takes."

A brief silence settled over them, and at that moment, an unspoken understanding passed between them—a vow of mutual protection, a bond that neither of them needed to name but both felt deeply.

Legolas nodded, his expression softening as he took in the sight of her, a fierce warrior with a heart that matched his own. He reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder, and for a moment, they simply stayed there, connected by the understanding of the path they shared.

"I know you will," he said quietly. "You are reckless, yes, but that heart of yours... it's what makes you who you are. And though it may drive me mad at times," he added with a hint of a smile, "it is also why I trust you."

Xena couldn't help but smile back. "Likewise, you stubborn elf. I don't know where this journey will take us, but I know that wherever we go, we'll face it together." She gave the sword a final, testing swing, then slid it back into the makeshift belt on her side.

They stood, and in that moment, it felt as if the world had narrowed down to just the two of them—a warrior and an elf, each carrying their burdens, yet bound by something stronger than either of them could name. And with that silent promise, they turned to rejoin the twins, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

((Upcoming Chapter Sixty-Eight))

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